Power Assisted Bow

ABSTRACT

A compound bow may feature the ability to pre-store energy before the drawing back of the draw string. Various embodiments contemplate that this may allow an archer to draw back the draw string or cable, and upon reaching the let off region of the compound bow&#39;s draw profile, cause the pre-stored energy to be transferred to the energy being stored by the bow. Various embodiments contemplate that this addition of pre-stored energy may give the archer more energy, held in the draw string or cable, to transfer to an arrow upon release, propelling it at greater speeds than would have been achieved with a compound bow of equal draw weight that does not feature an energy storage mechanism. Various embodiments contemplate that a system may provide for a return position of the draw. For example, this may remove the pre-stored energy from the draw string or cable as the draw string or cable is returned to an undrawn position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and is a Non-Provisional of, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/802,167, filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “Power Assisted Bow” the benefit of the filing date of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Various types of archery bows have been developed including traditional bows, such as, longbows and recurve bows, and more recently compound bows. As a general matter, archery bows include a pair of opposed limbs extending outwardly from the opposite ends of a handle of the bow. As an archer draws the bow by pulling on a string or cable, the limbs flex and store energy. This energy is then transferred to the arrow as the archer releases the string or cable.

The limbs of a compound bow are generally much stiffer than those of a recurve bow or a longbow. This limb stiffness may make the compound bow more energy efficient than other archery bows when used in conjunction with the pulley/cams as employed in modern compound bow construction. As is generally known, the compound bow has a string or cable which is applied to a variety of differently designed pulleys or cam shaped members. Further, the compound bow has one or more pulleys or cams which have other cables attached to the opposite limbs. When the string is drawn back, the string causes the pulleys or cams to turn. As force is applied, and as this draw continues, an archer has a reduced mechanical advantage, but during the draw as the pulley or cams rotate, and the archer gains mechanical advantage over the bending limbs, more energy is stored in the limbs in comparison to other archery bows. Generally speaking, the use of this well known leveraging system gives the compound bow a characteristic draw-force curve, which rises to a peak weight, and then, lets off, or reduces dramatically to a lower holding weight. This feature of the compound bow permits the archer to draw the arrow and then maintain aim on their target, prior to the release of the arrow, for a longer period of time thereby resulting in a better aimed shot. Generally speaking, one of the principal objectives of most archery bow design is to increase the speed at which an arrow is projected or propelled by a bow. Arrows which fly faster can maintain a flatter trajectory over a greater distance than slower traveling arrows. This enables faster flying arrows to be fired more accurately than slower traveling arrows.

While the various designs of compound bows have operated with various degrees of success, assorted shortcomings have detracted from their usefulness. One of the chief shortcomings to the compound bows that have been developed so far is that the strength required by the archer to draw the string or cable to an arrow release position steadily increases as the bow strength increases. While the assorted cams and other leverage achieved by the previous compound bow designs have reduced the amount of strength that the archer needs to have to hold the string at a full, arrow release position, the archer must still have a certain amount of strength, which will permit the archer to first draw the arrow, and then return the arrow from an arrow release position, to an at rest position in the event that the archer does not release the arrow at a target. Those skilled in the art recognize that bringing a compound bow back to an at rest position, from a previous, fully drawn position often requires a bit of strength, and talent, in order to prevent uncontrolled movement of the bow as the arrow is being returned. This is particularly important to hunters, especially when an archer is shooting from a camouflaged position, or from a tree stand, and the like, and where an excessive amount of movement of the bow could have the effect of scaring-off a potential animal target.

An archery bow, an archery bow accessory, and/or conversion kit addresses these and other shortcomings attendant with existing archery bows, and other devices employed with archery bows, heretofore, is the subject matter of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A compound bow may feature an ability to pre-store energy before the drawing back of the draw string or cable. Various embodiments contemplate that this may allow an archer to draw back the draw string or cable, and upon reaching the let off region of the compound bow's draw profile, cause the pre-stored energy to be transferred and/or added to the energy being stored by drawing back the draw string or cable. Various embodiments contemplate that this addition of pre-stored energy may give the archer more energy, held in the draw string or cable, to release and/or transfer to an arrow, propelling it at a greater speed than would have been achieved with a compound bow of equal draw weight that does not feature an energy storage mechanism.

Various embodiments contemplate that a system may provide for a return position of the draw. For example, this may remove the pre-stored energy from the draw string or cable as the draw string or cable is returned to an undrawn position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIGS. 1A-C depict an illustrative compound bow with a power assist system.

FIGS. 2A-8C depict the illustrative compound bow with a power assist system of FIGS. 1A-C in various positions.

FIGS. 9A-B depict an illustrative interface of a compound bow with a power assist system.

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative perspective view of the compound bow with a power assist system of FIGS. 1A-C.

FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view of a portion of an illustrative power assist system.

FIGS. 12A-C depict an additional illustrative compound bow with a power assist system.

FIGS. 13-17 depict a portion of the illustrative compound bow with a power assist system of FIGS. 12A-C in various positions.

FIG. 18 depicts an exploded view of a portion of an additional illustrative power assist system of FIGS. 12A-C.

FIGS. 19A-B depict an additional illustrative compound bow with a power assist system.

FIGS. 20A-C depict a portion of the illustrative power assist system of FIGS. 19A-B.

FIGS. 21A-C depict portions of the illustrative power assist system of FIGS. 19A-B.

FIG. 22 depicts a flowchart illustrating operation of a compound bow with a power assist system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The limbs of a compound bow are generally much stiffer than those of a recurve bow or a longbow. This limb stiffness may make the compound bow more energy efficient than other archery bows when used in conjunction with the pulley/cams as employed in modern compound bow construction. As force is applied when an archer draws the bow, the archer has a reduced mechanical advantage. However, during the draw as the pulley or cams rotate, and the archer gains mechanical advantage over the bending limbs, more energy is stored in the limbs in comparison to other archery bows. In general, this leveraging system gives the compound bow a characteristic draw-force curve, which rises to a peak weight, and then, lets off, or reduces dramatically to a lower holding weight. This feature of the compound bow permits the archer to draw the arrow and then maintain aim on their target, prior to the release of the arrow, for a longer period of time thereby resulting in a better aimed shot.

However, one of the chief shortcomings to the compound bows that have been developed so far is that the strength required by the archer to draw the string or cable to an arrow release position steadily increases as the bow strength increases. While the assorted cams and other leverage achieved by the previous compound bow designs have reduced the amount of strength that the archer needs to have to hold the string at a full, arrow release position, the archer must still have a certain amount of strength, which will permit the archer to first draw the arrow, and then return the arrow from an arrow release position, to an at rest position in the event that the archer does not release the arrow at a target. Often bringing a compound bow back to an at rest position, from a previous, fully drawn position often requires a bit of strength, and talent, in order to prevent uncontrolled movement of the bow as the arrow is being returned. This is particularly important to hunters, especially when an archer is shooting from a camouflaged position, or from a tree stand, and the like, and where an excessive amount of movement of the bow could have the effect of scaring-off a potential animal target.

Various embodiments contemplate that a compound bow may feature an ability to pre-store energy before the drawing back of a draw string. Various embodiments contemplate that this may allow an archer to draw back the draw string to store energy in the bow by bending the limbs, and upon reaching the let off region of the compound bow's draw profile, cause the pre-stored energy to be added to the energy being stored in the bending limbs. Various embodiments contemplate that this addition of pre-stored energy may give the archer more energy, held in the draw string, to transfer to an arrow upon release, propelling the arrow at greater speeds than would have been achieved with a compound bow of equal draw weight that does not feature an energy storage mechanism for pre-storage of energy.

Various embodiments contemplate that propelling an arrow at greater speeds may provide for a more humane harvest by increasing the velocity and accuracy of an arrow. For example, an increased velocity may provide an associated increase in kinetic energy at impact producing greater penetration than would be possible by a compound bow of equal draw weight that does not feature an energy storage mechanism for pre-storage of energy. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that an arrow which flies faster can maintain a flatter trajectory over a greater distance than a slower traveling arrow. This may enable a faster flying arrow to be fired more accurately than a slower traveling arrow. These factors alone or in combination may provide for a cleaner and more rapid harvest.

Additionally or alternatively, an energy storage mechanism for pre-storage of energy may enable groups of bow users who have traditionally used bows of lower relative draw weight to increase the effective draw weight and associated velocity of an arrow. For example, often bows of lower draw weight have traditionally been marketed towards women and youths. For example, an addition of an energy storage mechanism for pre-storage of energy may be added to a youth bow, or a regular sized bow that may be weighted to a level comparable to a youth bow, and may enable the bow to reach a much higher arrow velocity.

Illustrative Bow with Power Assist System

FIG. 1A depicts an illustrative compound bow 100 with a power assist system 102. In one embodiment, the power assist system 102 may include a resilient auxiliary member 104 and a loading mechanism 106. The compound bow 100 may include a central body or central mount region 108, which may include a riser 110, where bow components may be mounted including, but not limited to, limbs, sights, stabilizers, and quivers. FIG. 1A also shows limbs 112 of the bow coupled to the riser 110 at mount location 114. The limbs 112 may comprise a solid limb and/or a split limb configuration. Often the limbs 112 mounting may be adjusted at the mount location 114. Often attached to the limbs are cams, wheels, or a combination thereof. For example, different bows may have different bow eccentricities including, but not limited to, single cam, hybrid cam, dual cam, binary cam, quad cam, and hinged. For example, FIG. 1A shows an example of a dual cam where a cam 116 is coupled to limb 112 at mount location 118. Cam 116 may take various forms that may influence a force draw profile of the bow. The bow may often have at least two cams 116 that may be connected through various means including, but not limited to, strings, cables, lines, wires, or the like. For example, bow 100 may include a draw string 120 that may be drawn or pulled to various positions. Additionally, a projectile including an arrow (not shown) may be nocked to the string 120. The cams 116 may also be coupled by buss cables 122. The buss cables 122 may be attached to the cams 116 and/or at or near the mount location 118. The buss cables may also be displace laterally from the center of the bow 100 by a buss cable bar and/or guide 124.

When the draw string 120 is moved from an at rest position as shown in FIG. 1A, the draw string 120 may cause the cams 116 to rotate that may cause buss cables 122 to wrap around a portion of the cams 116 placing an additional tension force on draw string 120 and buss cables 122. This additional tension force may cause limbs 112 to bend and where mount locations 118 may move closer to each other while mount positions 114 may remain relatively fixed. The bending of limb 112 may store the potential energy used to accelerate a projectile as is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As the draw string 120 is drawn back towards an arrow release position (not shown) and the cams 116 continue to rotate, the cam 116 shape provides a mechanical advantage where the force required to draw the draw string 120 back may be reduced or “let off” as the draw string 120 reaches the release position.

Bow 100 may be constructed using various materials. For example, riser 110 may be aluminum, aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, composites, or a combination thereof. The limbs 112 may be made from various resilient materials including, but not limited to, composite materials. Often the limbs may be designed with various composite materials to be capable of taking high tensile and compressive forces in various configurations. Draw string 120 and buss cables 122 may comprise high-modulus polyethylene, polyester, natural materials, plastic-coated steel, among others, and designed to have great tensile strength and minimal stretchability.

FIG. 1A also shows an illustrative embodiment of a power assist system 102 comprising a resilient auxiliary member 104 and a loading mechanism 106. The loading mechanism may be coupled to the auxiliary member 104 through a connector, for example, load cable 126. It is understood that the connector may comprise a member with a high tensile strength and low buckling strength such as a string, cable, wire, or the connector may comprise a member with a high tensile strength and a high buckling strength such as a ridged link comprised of a metallic or composite material. It is contemplated that materials and properties used in the buss cables as discussed above may be utilized for load cable 126.

Further, auxiliary member 104 may comprise an auxiliary limb configuration where auxiliary member 104 may be fixably coupled at a first end 128 at mount location 114 and displacably coupled to the loading mechanism 106 at a second end 130. Various embodiments contemplate that auxiliary member 104 may be disposed between two limbs 112 of a split limb configuration of bow 100. Various embodiments contemplate that auxiliary member 104 may comprise various resilient materials including, but not limited to, composite materials. Various embodiments contemplate that auxiliary member 104 may be designed with various composite materials to be capable of taking high tensile and compressive forces in various configurations. This may allow auxiliary member 104 to store and transfer or expel energy depending on the relative positions of first end 128 and second end 130. For example, if auxiliary member 104 is bent from a rest position, auxiliary member 104 may store an amount of energy. If auxiliary member 104 returns to a rest position, the stored amount of energy may be transferred or expelled.

FIG. 1A also shows an illustrative embodiment of loading mechanism 106 coupled to auxiliary member 104 through load cable 126. In this embodiment, loading mechanism 106 is located between a distal pair of auxiliary members 104 and as well as between a distal pair of limbs 112 and coupled to riser 110. FIGS. 1B-C show a portion of loading mechanism 106 from opposite sides. For example, FIG. 1B shows a portion of loading mechanism 106 from the same side as shown in FIG. 1A while FIG. 1C shows the same portion of loading mechanism 106 from the opposite side. FIGS. 1A-C show the respective portions of loading mechanism 106 at an at rest position without an auxiliary load applied.

FIGS. 2A-C show the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A after an auxiliary load has been applied and energy stored in auxiliary member 104. The dotted arrows indicate various relative movement of various components from the state shown in FIGS. 1A-C to reach the state shown in FIGS. 2A-C. Various embodiments contemplate that loading mechanism 106 may comprise a power loading string 200. It is contemplated that power loading string 200 may comprise any suitable material including, but not limited to, the materials used as draw strings and or cables. Various embodiments contemplate that power loading string 200 may be actuated by applying a loading force to a first end 202. Various embodiments contemplate that a user may temporarily secure themselves to the first end 202 by hand, trigger release, wrist-trigger release, or other suitable action. It is contemplated that displacement of the power loading string 200 may be limited by an extension limiter 203 that may be disposed on power loading string 200 at a location to engage a stop at the desired position. Various embodiments contemplate that the extension may be limited to a distance greater or less than a user's normal pull. Various embodiments contemplate that the extension may be limited to a range of 60%-90% of a user's normal pull. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the extension may be limited to a range of 70%-80% of a user's normal pull.

It is also contemplated that the power loading string 200 is coupled at a second end (not numbered) to a gear or set of gears. For example, FIG. 2B shows power loading cable 200 coupled to power spool 204. In FIG. 1B, the power loading cable 200 was wrapped around an inner surface (not shown) of power spool 204. Displacement and extension of the first end 202 of the power loading string 200 may cause the rotation of the power spool 204, which may be coupled to a reducing gear 206 that may share a same axis alignment. Gear 206 may engage and turn gear 208. Gear 208 may have a power transfer boss 210 coupled to it. As gear 208 turns, boss 210 may engage and turn arm 212. Arm 212 may be coupled to an axel freely rotatably extending through gear 208 and coupled to power loading gear 214. Power loading gear 214 may be coupled to auxiliary member 104 through load cable 126. Load cables 126 may be fixedly attached to power loading gear 214 at attachment location 216. The attachment location may allow the load cables 126 to rotate and/or pivot. Power loading gear 214 may also have a surface 218 that may constrain the location of the load cables 126 as the power loading gear 214 rotate. Additionally or alternatively, surface 218 may be cylindrical or cam-shaped to provide additional leverage at various positions of the loading.

Further, the rotation of power loading gear 214 may cause the load cables 126 to displace from an initial position shown in FIGS. 1A-C. This displacement may cause a tension and or an additional tension load on load cables 126. This tension and displacement may cause a displacement of the second end 130 of auxiliary member 104. This displacement may cause energy to be stored in the auxiliary member 104. It is noted that this may cause the second end 130 of the auxiliary member 104 to move away from limb 112. Various embodiments contemplate that the displacement of the second end 130 be congruent and/or consistent with the displacement of the limbs 112 as per a design of the bow 100. This may range from greater than zero inches to less than five inches. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate a displacement between one and two inches.

Additionally or alternatively, the power loading gear 214 may engage gear 220 as shown in FIG. 2C. Gear 220 may cause ratchet 222 to rotate to its position shown in FIG. 2B having at least one tooth 224. Rotation of ratchet 222 may move tooth 224 into a position such that pawl 226 may engage tooth 224 to selectively prevent ratchet 222 from rotating in the opposite direction. This may in effect lock affected gears in place and keep the auxiliary member 104 in position if the force on power loading string 200 is removed.

Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate more than one tooth 224 coupled with alternate gearing to provide for multiple pulls on the power loading string 200 to fully load or displace the auxiliary members 104.

FIGS. 3A-C show the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 2A after an auxiliary load has been applied and energy stored in auxiliary member 104 and the power loading string 200 retracted. Various embodiments contemplate that power loading string 200 may be retracted by a retraction mechanism 300 and would around power spool 204. Retraction mechanism may comprise any suitable mechanism for retracting a cable or a string. For example, FIG. 3B shows retraction mechanism as a constant force spring. The retraction mechanism may have some potential energy stored in it as part of the initial retraction of power loading string 200. This potential energy stored may be used to retract the power loading string 200.

Additionally or alternatively, this retraction of power loading string 200 may cause power spool 204 to rotate, which may in turn cause gear 208 to rotate moving boss 210 (not shown) away from arm 212.

Additionally or alternatively, this retraction may cause gear 208 to partially remove the load applied by arm 212 to power loading gear 214. This may cause power loading gear 214 to slightly rotate under the force of load cables 126 to slightly rotate ratchet 222 and cause tooth 224 to more firmly engage pawl 226.

FIGS. 4A-C show the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 3A after an arrow (not shown) may have been nocked (loaded) and the draw string 120 drawn to a release position 400. For example, FIG. 4A shows that displacement of draw string 120 may cause cams 116 to rotate causing the buss cables 122 to wrap around a portion of the cams 116 placing an additional tension force on draw string 120 and buss cables 122. This additional tension force may cause limbs 112 to bend and where mount locations 118 may move closer to each other. The bending of limb 112 may store the potential energy used to accelerate a projectile as is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As the draw string 120 is drawn back towards an arrow release position (not shown) and the cams 116 continue to rotate, the cam 116 shape provides a mechanical advantage where the force required to draw the draw string 120 back may be reduced or “let off” as the draw string 120 reaches the release position. This let off may be characterized as a percentage of the load placed on the limbs 112. This percentage may vary between 0% and 100%. However, it is common for a compound bow to have a let-off percentage of between 50-90%.

Additionally or alternatively, as the cams 116 rotate and cause limbs 112 to displace, the limbs 112 may engage auxiliary member 104. For example, the limb 112 may begin to be displaced as discussed above. At a point prior to draw string 120 reaching release position 400, the displacement of limb 112 may be sufficient to engage the second end 130 of auxiliary member 104. As such, when the draw string 120 reaches the release position 400, the limbs 112 keep auxiliary member 104 displaced and release some or all of the tension in load cables 126. Also prior to the draw string 120 reaching the release position 400, cams 116 may have rotated sufficiently such that the force required to continue to move draw string 120 toward release position 400 is sufficiently reduced as part of the “let off” of the bow. Various embodiments contemplating that the bow being drawn enters the let-off region prior to engaging auxiliary member 104. In these embodiments, the let off percentage may be applied to the combined load of the limbs 112 and auxiliary member 104. As such, a user, for example an archer, may advantageously position and hold a force on bow 100 at a release position 400 much greater than the user may have been able to without the power assist system 102.

Additionally or alternatively, as the cams rotate causing the buss cables 122 to displace as the draw string 120 is drawn to the release position 400, a lock control mechanism 402 may be activated to release pawl 226 and disengage pawl 226 from ratchet 222. This may allow the full amount of energy stored in the auxiliary members 104 to be transferred to limbs 112 when the draw string 120 is released from the release position to, for example, fire an arrow.

Various embodiments contemplate that lock control mechanism 402 may comprise a gear 404 that may selectively hold pawl 226 engaged with ratchet 222 or may allow pawl 226 to disengage from ratchet 222. For example, gear 404 may be coupled to an arm 406 that may cause gear 404 to selectively rotate. Arm 406 may be coupled to the draw string 120 directly or indirectly. For example, arm 406 may be coupled to a tether 408 that is attached to buss cable 122. As buss cable 122 is displaced due to displacement of the draw string 120, the tether 408 may cause arm 406 to rotate gear 404 to rotate to a position causing and/or allowing pawl 226 to rotate to a position to disengage from ratchet 222.

FIGS. 5A-C show the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 4A after an arrow (not shown) may have been nocked (loaded) and the draw string 120 drawn to a return position 500. For example, FIG. 5A shows that displacement of draw string 120 may cause cams 116 to rotate causing the buss cables 122 to wrap around a portion of the cams 116 placing an additional tension force on draw string 120 and buss cables 122. This additional tension force may cause limbs 112 to bend and where mount locations 118 may move closer to each other. Various embodiments contemplate that the return position 500 is further from the rest position than the release position 400. However, other configurations are contemplated including, but not limited to, a return position 500 that is the same as or closer to the rest position than release position 400. Various embodiments contemplate that the return positions is between one half and one and one half inches past the release position. Various embodiments contemplate that the return position is an inch past the release position.

Additionally or alternatively, as the cams rotate causing the buss cables 122 to displace as the draw string 120 is drawn to the return position 500, a lock control mechanism 402 may be activated to engage pawl 226 with ratchet 222. This may allow the amount of energy stored in the auxiliary members 104 to be kept in the auxiliary members 104 as limbs 112 are returned to an at rest position, for example, not fire an arrow, but return the arrow to the at rest position.

Various embodiments contemplate that buss cable 122 may continue to be displaced further displacing tether 408 causing arm 406 to rotate gear 404 into a position causing pawl 226 to rotate to a position to engage with ratchet 222.

FIGS. 6A-C show the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 5A after an arrow (not shown) may have been nocked (loaded) and the draw string 120 drawn to a return position 500 and then to an at rest position 600. For example, FIG. 5A shows bow 100 is a configuration similar to FIGS. 3A-C. As discussed above however, the force on the draw string 120 during the movement to the at rest position from the return position is mainly limited to the force caused by the energy stored in the limbs 112. This may allow a user, for example, an archer, to return an arrow to an at rest position without exerting the level of strength and skill as commonly used with a compound bow without the power assist system 102. As noted above, a force from the auxiliary members 104 is applied to the limbs 112 and draw string 120 until the draw string 120 is returned sufficiently past the release position 400. For example, the draw string 120 may be past the release position 400 headed toward the at rest position, but still in the let off area of the draw stroke. As such, the force exerted by the auxiliary members 104 is removed from the limbs 112 as the cams 116 rotate causing limbs 112 to exert a higher force on the draw string 120.

FIGS. 6A-C also show that as the force on tether 408 is reduced, arm 406 is allowed to return to the position shown in FIGS. 6B and C. However, gear 404 may remain stationary to allow the lock to remain engaged. This may be accomplished by an internal ratchet coupling arm 406 to gear 404.

FIGS. 7A-C show the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 6A after an arrow (not shown) may have been nocked (loaded) and the draw string 120 drawn to a release position 400 similar to the position described with respect to FIGS. 4A-C.

FIGS. 8A-C show the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 7A after the draw string 120 may have been released applying a force to an arrow (not shown) to propel it. Various embodiments contemplate that the force applied to the arrow was supplied by the release of the energy from both the limbs 112 and the auxiliary members 104. As shown in FIGS. 8A-C the bow 100 and power assist system 102 are substantially returned to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A-C. As such, the bow 100 and power assist system 102 are substantially ready to be used again.

Additionally or alternatively, when an arrow is released, a vibration may be generated by the bow and the bow components. Various embodiments contemplate that the interface between the auxiliary member 104 and the limbs 112 may be configured such that vibration in the limbs 112 is dampened by the auxiliary member 104 and/or the interface between the member 104 and the limbs 112.

FIG. 9A shows an embodiment where the bow 100 is at the at rest position similar to that shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9A shows that the auxiliary member 104 is engaged to limb 112 (limb 112 is shown as a split limb system). For example, FIG. 9A shows a engagement device 900. Engagement device 900 may be configured to engage limbs 112 and efficiently transfer energy stored in auxiliary member 104 as well as dampen out vibrations resulting from an arrow being released.

FIG. 9B shows an embodiment where bow 100 is drawn to a release position similar to that shown in FIG. 7. Similar to FIG. 9A, engagement device 900 may be configured to engage limbs 112 and efficiently transfer energy stored in auxiliary member 104 when the arrow is released and throughout the return to the at rest position.

Various embodiments contemplate that auxiliary member 104 may be preloaded with energy when positioned in the at rest position shown in FIG. 1A. This may have an effect of allowing a larger amount of energy stored in it and possibly provide a better power curve during loading as well as propelling an arrow when released. Further, this preloading may also have the capability to augment dampening of the system by applying a force to effectively engage engagement device 900 with limbs 112.

Additionally or alternatively, the coupling at auxiliary member 104 to the load cables 126 may be a fixed junction or may provide for an interface with a cam, pulley, or combination thereof.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the loading mechanism 106 may be removeably coupled to the bow 100. For example, loading mechanism 106 may be coupled to an existing buss cable guide. It is also noted that buss cables 122 may be positioned on the side of the bar opposite to what is shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded perspective view of illustrative loading mechanism 106.

Additional Illustrative Bow with Power Assist System

FIGS. 12A-B show an additional embodiment of an illustrative compound a bow 1200 with a power assist system 1202. Bow 1200 operates in the substantially the same way as bow 100 in terms of operation. As such, discussion of those operating features may be reviewed above. Additionally or alternatively, portions of power assist system 1202 operate similar to power assist system 102 discussed above. However, this embodiment contemplates that loading mechanism 106 operates differently is some capacities from loading mechanism 1206.

However, in the interest of brevity, operation of loading mechanism 1206 will be discussed with respect to positions of bow 100 discussed with respect to FIGS. 1A-8A.

FIG. 13 shows loading mechanism 1206 while bow 1200 is at an at rest configuration similar to FIG. 1A. FIG. 13 also shows a pull cable 1300 with a first end 1302. As will be shown in the next figures, displacement of pull cable 1300 may cause pull cable wheel 1304 to rotate about its axis. Various embodiments contemplate that pull cable wheel 1304 may take various forms including, but not limited to a closed circle, a cam shape, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, pull cable wheel 1304 may provide a channel or groove about its exterior to maintain pull cable 1300 in proper position.

FIG. 14 shows loading mechanism 1206 after an auxiliary load has been applied and energy stored in auxiliary member 104 similar to FIG. 2A. FIG. 14 also shows a pull cable 1300 displaced causing pull cable wheel 1304 to rotate. Pull cable wheel 1304 in turn may cause a plate 1406 to rotate about its axis. Plate 1406 may comprise a boss 1408 that may engage a ratchet 1410 that may comprise at least one tooth 1412. Ratchet 1410 may engage a shaft 1414 and rotate shaft 1414 about its axis. Various embodiments contemplate that shaft 1414 may be coupled to a structure (shown in FIG. 18) similar in function to surface 218 as described with respect to FIGS. 2A-C that may couple to and cause a cables 126 (not shown) to displace storing energy in auxiliary members 104 (not shown).

Additionally or alternatively, rotation of pull cable wheel 1304 may cause a boss 1416 disposed on the pull cable wheel to rotate into and engage a pin 1418 on a toggle wheel 1420 causing toggle wheel 1420 to rotate. Boss 1416 may, in various embodiments be hidden by toggle wheel 1420 in the displayed position; however, boss 1416 is shown here for clarity. This rotation of toggle wheel 1420 may cause locking arm 1422 that may pivot at a point 1424 while anchored to support (not shown) to displace end 1426 into a valley or relief along a perimeter of toggle wheel 1420 as shown in FIG. 14. This displacement may cause locking arm 1422 to rotate into a position such that locking interface 1428 disposed on locking arm 1422 may selectively engage tooth 1412 of ratchet 1410.

FIG. 15 shows loading mechanism 1206 after an auxiliary load has been applied and energy stored in auxiliary member 104 with the power loading string 200 retracted similar to FIG. 3A. FIG. 15 also shows a pull cable 1300 returned to an initial position. This may be facilitated by a retraction mechanism similar to retraction mechanism 300. Retraction of pull cable 1300 allows pull cable wheel 1304 to rotate causing boss 1408 to disengage from ratchet 1410. This allows ratchet 1410 to engage tooth 1412 of ratchet 1410 with locking interface 1428 of locking arm 1422. This engagement may selectively prevent ratchet 1410 from rotating which in turn may keep shaft 1414 from rotating which in turn may keep tension on auxiliary members 104 through load cables 126.

FIG. 16 shows loading mechanism 1206 after an auxiliary load has been applied, energy stored in auxiliary member 104, after an arrow (not shown) may have been nocked (loaded), and a draw string drawn to a release position similar to FIG. 4A. FIG. 16 shows arm 1600 that may be coupled to buss cables 122 and cause the rotation to the position shown in FIG. 16. Rotation of arm 1600 may cause toggle wheel 1420 to rotate causing locking arm 1422 to rotate by applying a force on end 1426. End 1426 of locking arm 1422 may be held in position by a peak along the perimeter of toggle wheel 1420. Additionally or alternatively, a localize valley or other such feature may exist on the peaks of the perimeter of toggle wheel 1420. This may provide a local stability point in holding locking arm 1422 is said position. From this position, the draw string may be released and may cause a projectile to fly.

Additionally or alternatively, with locking arm displaced as shown in FIG. 16, locking interface 1428 may be selectively disengaged from ratchet 1410. Ratchet 1410 and shaft 1414 are not shown to have rotated since, in various embodiments, the displaced limbs 112 (not shown) have further displace auxiliary members 104 and hold them in place.

FIG. 17 shows loading mechanism 1206 after a draw string has been drawn from a release position to a return position similar to FIG. 5A. FIG. 17 shows arm 1600 rotate further due to further movement of buss cables 1222. This movement in turn causes toggle wheel 1420 to rotate allowing locking arm 1422 to engage locking interface 1428 with tooth 1412 of ratchet 1410. This configuration may allow for a draw string to be returned to an at rest position without a force from the auxiliary members 104 pushing on limbs 112.

FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of loading mechanism 1206.

Additional Illustrative Bow with Power Assist System

FIGS. 19A-B show an additional embodiment of an illustrative compound a bow 1900 with a power assist system 1902. Bow 1900 operates in the substantially the same way as bow 1200 in terms of operation. As such, discussion of those operating features may be reviewed above. Additionally or alternatively, portions of power assist system 1902 operate similar to power assist system 1202 discussed above. However, this embodiment contemplates that loading mechanism 1906 operates differently is some capacities from loading mechanism 1206.

For example, FIG. 19A shows loading mechanism 1906 similar to loading mechanism 1206 as discussed above. Various differences include that pull cable 1300 and pull cable wheel 1304 have been replaced by a power loading tool 1908 that may be removably coupled to a power loading head 1910.

FIGS. 20A-C show various views of loading mechanism 1906. For example FIG. 20 A shows a profile view of loading mechanism 1906 where power loading head 1910 may comprise a indexing protrusion 2000 that may engage a toggle wheel 2002 in a manner similar to that discussed above with respect to toggle wheel 1420. Rotation of power loading head 1910 may cause similar results as did pull cable wheel 1304 including causing a load to be placed on auxiliary limbs 104. Power loading head 1910 may be operatively engaged by power loading tool 1908. Power loading tool 1908 may act as a lever allowing a user, for example an archer, to apply sufficient torque to power loading head 1910 to displace and energize auxiliary members 104.

FIGS. 21A-C show additional views of power loading head 1910 and power loading tool 1908. For example, FIG. 21C shows a view of power loading head 1910 where power loading head 1910 may comprise a boss 2100 that may act in a fashion similar to boss 1408 as shown in FIG. 14.

Illustrative Methods

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of one illustrative method 2200 of operating a bow with a power assist system as discussed above with respect to the various contemplated embodiments. For ease of understanding, the method 2200 is described in the context of the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A-8C. However, the method 2200 is not limited to performance using such a configuration and may be applicable to other bows and other types of power assist systems.

In this particular implementation, the method 2200 begins at block 2202 in which an auxiliary force is applied to a loading mechanism, for example, loading mechanism 106. At block 2204, energy is stored in a resilient auxiliary body, for example, auxiliary member 104.

At block 2206, a draw string of the bow may be drawn from an at rest position towards a release position. It is contemplated that an arrow may be nocked in anticipation of shooting the arrow.

At block 2208, the stored energy from block 2204 is applied to the draw string prior to the draw string reaching the release position. For example, limbs 112 may be displaced such that they engage auxiliary members 104 and exert a force sufficient to hold the auxiliary members 104 in an energized position. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that a locking mechanism may be disengaged prior to the draw string reaching the release position, but after the limbs 112 engage auxiliary members 104.

Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the limbs 112 may begin to engage auxiliary members 104 as the force on the draw string begins to let off. For example, as the let off would normally reduce the load by a force amount per unit drawn, the engagement of the auxiliary members 104 would cause a similar amount of force per unit drawn to be added to the draw string. The added amount may be at a higher or lower ratio than the let off would normally provide. Various embodiments contemplate that the let off and the additional force added by the auxiliary members may provide for a smooth transition such that a user may not notice the change or change over.

Additionally or alternatively, a projectile, if loaded may be released and propelled by the stored energy in the limbs 112 and auxiliary members 104.

At block 2210, the draw string may be drawn to a return position, for example, position 500. Various embodiments contemplate that a locking mechanism may be engaged.

At block 2212, the draw string may be moved towards the at rest position.

At block 2214, the stored energy in the auxiliary members 104 may be removed prior to the draw string reaching the at rest position. Various embodiments contemplate that the force from the auxiliary members 104 may be removed as the draw string passes through the let off position. When the draw string reaches the at rest position, a user may draw the bow and return to block 2206.

At block 2216, the draw string may be released and the energy stored in both the limbs 112 and the auxiliary members 104 may be transferred to a projectile at block 2218.

At block 2220, the auxiliary members may provide dampening to the bow after the energy has been released.

CONCLUSION

Although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure and appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. For example, the methodological acts need not be performed in the order or combinations described herein, and may be performed in any combination of one or more acts. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bow comprising: a resilient main body having opposite, distal ends; a resilient auxiliary member configured to selectively transfer energy to the main body; and a loading mechanism coupled to the auxiliary member controllable to selectively transfer energy to the auxiliary member.
 2. The bow of claim 1, the auxiliary member comprising a first end fixably coupled to the bow and a second end coupled to the loading mechanism, wherein the loading mechanism transfers energy to the auxiliary member by effecting a displacement of the second end.
 3. The bow of claim 2, wherein the auxiliary member selectively engages the main body to transfer energy from the auxiliary member to the main body.
 4. The bow of claim 3, further comprising a string extending and tensioned between the distal ends, and wherein the string has a first, at rest position, and a second, arrow release position, wherein the displacement of the second end is selectively maintained by the loading mechanism at the at rest position and the second end is selectively maintained by the main body at the release position.
 5. The bow of claim 4, the string further comprising a third, string return position, wherein the displacement of the second end is selectively maintained by the loading mechanism at the string return position.
 6. The bow of claim 3, wherein the resilient main body comprises split limbs of a split limb bow, and wherein, the resilient auxiliary member comprises a third limb disposed between the split limbs.
 7. A power assist mechanism comprising: a resilient auxiliary member engageable with a resilient main body of a bow; a loading mechanism coupled to the auxiliary member controllable to selectively engage the auxiliary member with the main body to selectively apply a force to the main body.
 8. The power assist mechanism of claim 7, wherein power assist mechanism is configured to removeably attach to a bow.
 9. The power assist mechanism of claim 7, wherein the loading mechanism is configured to apply a force to the auxiliary member through a load cable.
 10. The power assist mechanism of claim 7, wherein the auxiliary member comprises a first end fixably coupleable to the bow and a second end coupled to the loading mechanism, wherein the loading mechanism transfers energy to the auxiliary member by effecting a displacement of the second end.
 11. The power assist mechanism of claim 10, wherein the auxiliary member selectively engages the main body to transfer energy from the auxiliary member to the main body.
 12. The power assist mechanism of claim 11, further configured to couple to a string of the bow extending and tensioned between the distal ends, and wherein the string has a first, at rest position, and a second, arrow release position, wherein the displacement of the second end is selectively maintained by the loading mechanism at the at rest position and the second end is selectively maintained by the main body at the release position.
 13. The power assist mechanism of claim 12, the string further comprising a third, string return position, wherein the displacement of the second end is selectively maintained by the loading mechanism at the string return position.
 14. A method comprising: applying an auxiliary force to a loading mechanism storing potential energy in a resilient auxiliary body; drawing a string of bow coupled to the auxiliary body from an at rest position to a release position to release a projectile; and applying the stored potential energy to the string prior to the string reaching the release position.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: drawing the string to a string return position; and removing the stored potential energy from the string when the string is moved to the at rest position.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the removing the stored potential energy from the string comprises engaging a lock in the loading mechanism.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the applying the stored potential energy to the string comprises releasing a lock in the loading mechanism.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the applying the stored potential energy to the string comprises moving limbs of the bow into engage with the auxiliary body prior to the string reaching the release position.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the bow comprises a compound bow, and wherein the stored potential energy is applied to the string after a peak draw weight.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the stored potential energy is applied to the string when the draw weight is within a threshold value of a let off value of the compound bow. 